I don't own Inuyasha; I'm broke so go figure!

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A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I thought about adding more on to this chapter, but decided against it in the end. I also wanted to tell you that I've this chapter done since February, but don't be mad!! I needed to re-read this story to make sure the chapter fit, and until recently, I've been sick… sooo sorry!!! Really!!

For all of you that reviewed THANK YOU… I'm in the process of editing this story and hopefully I'll get another chapter out soon. I have some of it typed but not much.

I'll edit this chapter later….

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DLCH7

After the lords bid each other farewell, Toga turned to the young maiden sitting on the ground. "Take my hand Kagome, your father says that you have much to tell me."

Kagome sighed, but took the hand offered. "I know. Father told me that you would also be acting as my sensei until the end of my stay."

"Indeed, but first, I need you to answer a few questions."

Kagome nodded.

Toga turned to Sesshomaru. "I leave you in charge until Kagome and I are done. Now leave us!" He turned back to Kagome and led her to his study. Once the door shut, Toga got right to the point. "Before I ask you anything else, I would like to know what you are capable of."

…….

Sesshomaru, unable to hear the conversation, was frustrated beyond belief. If they wanted him to learn to appreciate Kagome, then why not let him in on the questioning? How would he get the answers that he needed to make this mating happen? Sesshomaru suddenly stopped walking as a thought came to him. Quickly, he turned on his heel and started towards the guest chambers.

Sango was quietly sitting on her bed sewing a gift for Kagome when a sudden knock came from the door. "Come in…" Needless to say, she was shocked to see Sesshomaru standing at the threshold. "Is there something I can do for you." Sango asked politely.

"Indeed." Sesshomaru made his way across the room and sat down on one of the many sitting pillows that lined the floor. "Are you aware of my proposal to Jin-sama?"

"Ah… father mentioned something about this last evening." Sango put her sewing tools away. "You ask him for the right to mate my sister?"

Sesshomaru nodded.

"Alright then, what do you want from me?" Sango asked.

"This morning father and I walked in on Kagome's punishment. I have been steadily accused of not 'appreciating' her or your family, yet no one will give the information I seek."

"Huh?"

Sesshomaru growled in frustration. "I now know that you are not human." He stated plainly. "I saw the evidence for myself, this morning. Jin-sama and lady Kagome changed right before my eyes."

Sango could have cared less about Sesshomaru's concerns. Jin instructed her not to help in any form or fashion. However, Jin forgot to mention Kagome's punishment. "Wait what?"

"You heard me woman. Why was I not told of such?"

"Oh kami… where is Kagome now?"

Did she just evade his question again? "I will tell you once I have my answers."

"Tough luck then." Sango turned and headed straight for the door, but not before giving Sesshomaru some parting advice. "If you truly wish to mate Kagome and what you have described to me is true; your fight has just become a lot harder."

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Kagome's new appearance went over as well as her arrival at the castle. Gone were the bight blues with the dark pupils, and replaced with white florescent, pupil-less eyes. They almost looked soulless, but the light coming from them suggested other wise.

"Ah, Kagome-sama, I am happy to see you out of your room." Miroku gave a slight bow. "Lady Sango tells me that you have been rather down lately. Is there anything I can do to cheer you up?" Miroku pulled Kagome into a warm hug, and on queue his hand slipped down her back to her ass.

"Pervert!"

"I apologize. This hand is truly cursed." Miroku rubbed his poor cheek. "Please let me escort you inside." He offered Kagome his arm.

Kagome look rather hesitant, but complied. "Alright let's go!"

Inside the dining hall, Inuyasha sat beside his father looking nervous. Fuck Sesshomaru, he still wanted to impress Kagome With that thought in mind, Inuyasha wore a different color kimono in the hopes that she would notice.

Sesshomaru sat at the other end of the table, brooding. After a week, he still hasn't been able to attain any information on Kagome; at least any that you help him.

In her chair, Sango was fidgeting with the hem of her kimono. She wondered what dinner would be like if Kagome showed up this time. Would those morons comment on Kagome appearance or would they just leave her alone; she sincerely hoped for the latter.

Toga sighed as he watched Kagome walk into the dining hall and bid the monk farewell. At least she looks happier, he thought.

…….

"Kagome, my dear, I'm pleased that you have decided to join us this evening." Toga smiled. "Please be seated."

Kagome bowed her thanks and took her seat. After that the evening meal started.

For the better part all was calm and silent. Of course, there was bickering between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, but nothing new.

Finally Inuyasha found something else to keep him occupied. "So Kagome, what do ya think about my new clothes."

To Kagome they looked just like the old ones. "I don't know." She answered in detached voice. To her they looked just like the old ones.

Inuyasha could feel his ire rising, but pushed it back. Instead he decided to focus on her attire. "Well, what shade purple do you have on, huh? I think it suits you."

Toga and Sesshomaru almost spit out their tea at Inuyasha's blatant flirtatious behavior. Sesshomaru turned his head to look at Kagome; he expected to see her giggling and blushing at the comment, but the forlorn expression never changed.

"I really hadn't noticed, but thank you." Kagome replied blandly.

Now Inuyasha was really mad. How could she just continue to brush him off like that! "What in the hell is the matter with you? Are you color blind or something!?" He shouted.

Kagome silently stood up in her chair and walked out of the room.

Inuyasha opened his mouth to say something else but Sango hit him across the head. "BAKA!"

"What!"

"Kagome is color blind in her natural form!" Sango yelled. "Well almost…. she can only recognize the some shades blue, red, and green; that's why she's been so depressed lately."

Sesshomaru listened to the conversation intently. Though is it not the information that he wished for, he intended to put it to good use.

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After the dinner fiasco, Kagome decided to eat in her room. Rarely did she venture out, unless instructed to by Toga. So today could be considered a rare day. As winter approached, Kagome thought it would be a good idea to sit among the last of the withering flowers.

Sesshomaru watched Kagome from his window with jealously boiling in his veins. For the past week Kagome avoided everyone, except that damned monk. He didn't know what they spoke of, but he intended to find now.

…….

Miroku approached Kagome as usual, with a smile on his face and a song in his heart. He hoped that a bit of good nature would brighten her mood. "Good afternoon, Lady Kagome." He presented her with a flower.

Kagome accepted the gift with a smile. "Thanks. So what brings you out here?"

"I thought my reasons were clear, my fair lady. I wish for your company..," Miroku took a seat beside Kagome. "And I hope to learn why you are so distressed." He added.

"Well…." Kagome wasn't quite sure if she wanted to share such information with Miroku, but his deeds of the past two weeks told her that his concern was genuine. "Alright… Now that you know I'm not human, I guess it doesn't matter if you know." Kagome abruptly stood up and turned to face Miroku. "Meet me outside the palace gate in thirty minutes."

Miroku nodded and true to his word, thirty minutes later, he stood waiting on Kagome.

As soon as Kagome appeared, she took Miroku by the hand and stared running.

Miroku was a bit confused but let her lead him. When they finally stopped, he asked Kagome the question that lingered on his mind. "Lady Kagome, why are we in this clearing?" He soon caught his breath, and finally caught sight of Kagome. She blushed under his gaze, but Miroku couldn't help it. She was wearing one of the shorted kimonos he'd ever laid eyes on.

"Stop staring like that, pervert!" Kagome let go of Miroku hand and took a seat on the ground. "Sit down. I want to show you something." When Miroku sat down in front of her, Kagome began. "Watch." Her hand started to glow and she placed it down on the dead grass.

Miroku watched in amazement as the grass around them suddenly came to life again. "Amazing!"

Kagome blushed and took her hand away from the ground. "That's only the beginning of what I can do." She sighed. "I am a child of nature, an elemental, with the blood of a demigod flowing through my veins."

"A demigod elemental?" Miroku rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I believe Lady Kaede told me something about your family, but I don't remember her mentioning any thing about such a being? Is it like a demon?"

Kagome shook her head. "No, it's not. A demigod is the offspring of a god and a human. In my forefathers' case an elemental being was produced …" Kagome explained. "I have the power to call up, to make, and to alter any element or part nature in its rawest forms; including my own body. That is what separates me from Sango and my brother. That's why I am my father's heir to power."

"And what of the demons; Lady Kaede told me there were demons within your family tree."

"I do have the blood of demons in me." Kagome confirmed. "I believe you've seen my lighting attacks?"

Miroku nodded. "Indeed, they are most impressive."

"Thank you." Kagome said while blushing. "Those attacks come from my great, great grandfather. He is an elemental demon with the power of lighting and thunder."

"So it's true then?" Miroku asked.

"What?" Kagome replied; a bit confused by Miroku inquiry.

"That your family generally mates women heirs off to demons."

Kagome shook her head. "No they don't generally do it… it has always been done. It insures the balance the main blood line."

"And the men; why do they only marry human women?" Miroku asked.

"That's not true either." Kagome explained. "Only the male heirs strictly marry human woman; by doing that they ensure their mortality and the potential mortality of their children. The siblings are allowed to mate or marry whomever they choose whether it be human or demon."

Miroku looked confused. "Ensure mortality?"

"Hai, like demons we are born with an un-naturally long life span, but we are able to choose whether on not to live that life or one of a mortal. To like a mortal we must attach our soul to that of our counter part and living a life somewhat, if not, to equal their own. In order to like an immortal we must attach our souls to the lands, and live a lonely life. Most choose the first choice."

"Ah… so tell me why you are so depressed."

Kagome blushed. Now that she'd talked to someone, her reason for her recent depression seemed silly. "I want to see… colors." She ran her fingers through the newly grown grass. "Despite what Sango thinks… I can only see specks of color in this form. Right now I can only see little dots of green for grass and small specks of blue in the sky. It's depressing, only being able to see the world in black and white, but it has to be this way."

"Why?"

Kagome sighed. "Even as we speak, Miroku, I can tell you how much water you have in your body or the amount of dirt of consumed with your food today. I can even see the composition of the soil beneath us, but all I really want to see is the colors of the flowers and the sky above. I bet you think it's silly."

Miroku smiled. "Not at all, unless you want to call my fascination with your sister silly."

With the mood lightened, they two continued to talk. However, they were unaware of the being hidden in the shadows of the trees."

…….

Sesshomaru turned away from the scene in a rage. The information that Kagome gave from the monk was deliberate being held from him, but why? Did his father not want him to be successful or has Jin decided him not to be worthy of his daughter? And if what Kagome said is true, she would be an asset to the Taisho House. His kingdom and children would have no rivals.

For the first time Sesshomaru realized what was at stake.

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Once Sesshomaru learned of true dynamics of the situation, the tension in the castle all but disappeared. He realized and unwilling admitted that Kagome couldn't be treated like the average bitch. Intimidation and submission, are tactics that only work on those who are weak of mind and body; the standard for court whores. With that in mind, Sesshomaru changed his tactics.

It started with small compliments, and moved on to light gestures of good will. Of course Kagome accepted them, and a civil relationship was formed. However, there were lapses.

……

"I must say, I'm quite surprised by this Kagome." Toga looked around the highly decorated hall in astonishment. Then he focused his attention to local lords and people of court seated around him; chatting idly.

Kagome smiled. "That's good Toga-sama. I worked really hard to get this done."

Toga turned his gaze back to the young woman sitting beside him. "Well you have my thanks. I haven't celebrated this day since my last mate died."

"Well think nothing of it. Everyone should celebrate their birthday, no matter how old. I just wish that I could have done more for you, but the heavy winter snow made it almost impossible."

Toga flashed Kagome a bright, mischievous smile. "There is only thing you could do to that would make this old fool happy." He glanced over at his oldest son. "I would like to see you dance with Sesshomaru."

Kagome could feel her ire rising, but she beat it down with a mental stick. Instead, she settled for cutting her eyes. If this is what he truly wanted then it would be done. "Alight Toga-sama. It is your birthday after all." Kagome graceful rose from the table and made her way to Sesshomaru. "Would you dance with me?"

For a moment, Sesshomaru thought his hearing was failing him so he stared. "Excuse me?"

Irritated, Kagome leaned down to whisper in Sesshomaru's ear. "You heard me mongrel. Your father wishes us to dance."

"I heard you the first time bitch…" Sesshomaru stood up and took Kagome by the hand.

"Hmm… from wench to bitch, you must really adore me Sesshomaru." Kagome sneered.

Sesshomaru looked down at Kagome's haughty features. "Indeed, now let's get this done."

Toga watched the couple one the dance floor with a look of utter amusement. To those who don't know them well, Kagome and Sesshomaru looked like a match made in the heavens; but Toga knew better. The intimate whispers that the couple shared were nothing but biting insults. Still… he harbored a small hope that they would be together.

Part way into their dance, Kagome noticed Sesshomaru looking a one of the far walls of the hall. Following his gaze, she noticed a maid. "Why don't you just go over their and hike her kimono up, Sesshomaru…. She seems like your type." Kagome ignored the glare sent her way. "Or would you like me to go asked in your stead?"

"Silence." Sesshomaru pulled Kagome closer to his body and leaned down closer to her ear. "I assure you, your concern is misplaced. I don't need to sate my lust with some servant girl, soon I will have you." Sesshomaru smirked. Time. Sesshomaru realized time was all that he needed to figure out the anomaly known as Kagome. Hopefully the ground gained would not be lost once they moved on to Jin's domain.

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Thanks…..